Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Fit:
True to size

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 145 lbs

Size Purchased: Medium

This jacket is my go-to for any activity, it is almost always in my bag (this thing packs down SMALL), and has saved my butt enough times that I can not count them on two hands... The Kento jacket is light, very light. It packs down incredibly small... and is breathable enough that during a warm summer rain you aren't exhausting yourself whilst staying dry. It has two massive vents under the arms to allow adequate ventilation once the perspiration begins. Mammuts DRYtech is amazing, it keeps water out but lets your skin breath naturally, water simply beads up and rolls off. During the colder months it can also be used as a windbreaker, it doesn't allow wind to break through, and if paired with a nice 1/4 zip jacket underneath, you're good to go all day. The hood expands large enough to cover a helmet, and is equipped with a small visor to keep the rain out of your eyes. The wrists have velcro cuffs to tighten the opening and the the head/waist have adjustable cinching straps. The Kento has two large abdominal pockets and a large Napoleon pocket on the chest.

I will admit, for what it is (which isn't much) it is expensive, but when you are in the middle of your climb or approach and that freak storm hits, you'll be glad you paid the money for this lifesaver...

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

So after extensive research on small bags, with an emphasis on climbing, I finally broke down and ordered this fancy little pack from Patagonia. I really wanted a SIMPLE pack, my other bags have a pocket for everything under the sun, which ultimately weighs a lot and makes it difficult to pack a bag correctly. This bag proves to be the cure for my encumbering issues. It is literally a sack, with a small pocket on the cover, two shoulder straps, and an optional waist strap. For a 25L sack you can stuff a LOT in here; were talking full set of cams/nuts, 'biners, slings, several water bottles, some snacks, small medkit, an emergency rainshell, and get this... a climbing helmet to top it off! By moving the center vertical strap that cinches it all down, up to the top loop, you can even throw a rope on and secure it. Unfortunately, I tend to over pack bags and always forget my climbing shoes... BOOM external daisy-chains, four of them running vertical along the sack.

I love this thing, I use it for everything; climbing, traveling, biking, hiking, even for school...

My only gripe is that i wish the daisy-chains and shoulder straps "felt" a little more durable, I trust the stitching entirely (I actually took it on a Multi-pitch route over the weekend to test it out.), I just wish I could physically see that it is stitched enough to withstand a bear attack...

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Metolius does a lot of things right; TCU's, Training equipment, full-strength carabiners HALF the size and weight of traditional 'biners... the tape that they make is no exception. It's definitely tape, and it does what tape is supposed to do and adheres to stuff! In terms of climbing tape, it actually proves quite exceptional. Other tape brands tend to lose their "stickiness" after a route or two due to perspiration from the hands, Metolius, however, stays put... it sticks so well, in fact, that if you have hair on your hands and wrist, you'll actually end up getting a wax job as a bonus (it is actually rather painful...).

P.S. Save some hair on your hands by placing playing cards between the tape and your skin...

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Recently upgraded to an '08 Jeep Rubicon, love it... The problem was, however... No rack for my kayak!! I searched and searched for Jeep racks... $800... $1000... $1200?? I was scared... But then I came across these, these things are amazing, they latch onto the rain gutters tightly and don't take hardly any installation time (just don't drop the clamp on your toe while installing it, it hurts... ).

After the 20 minute installation time I now have a super durable and dependable rack that didn't break the bank. Thanks Thule, I knew I could count on you!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

The Ferrosi collection is nice, it's all very lightweight, durable, and looks nice, and these shorts are no exception.

The length is a bit long, but not terrible, the waist fit is true to size, and it has nicely sized pockets as well as a nice zippered pocket on the right leg that is easily accessible and perfect for a phone to take gorgeous pictures to savor the moment while you're climbing.

My only qualm is that after washing it once, the OR stitching on the left leg began to pull out... Nothing too bad, just a little disappointed that for $65 OR couldn't do a better stitch...

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

This helmet is fantastic,black diamond knew what they were doing with this.

It is light,VERY light, so light that when its on your head all you notice is the sound the styrofoam makes. In a pack, it doesn't weigh you down at all.

It's very comfortable, easily adjustable and is one of the first helmets able to fit my big head, due to how there are two sizes to choose from!!

When you unbox it, you may be concerned about how well it will protect you as it feels way too light to protect you from anything; believe me it will, this sucker will save your noggin, whether its a small rock that your climber kicks off while you belay, or if you take that gnarly lead fall...

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

These shoes... Are amazing! Bought them to wear while kayaking, and was a tad bit skeptical, but boy was I wrong.

They are incredibly light, purge water very easily and quickly (there are small holes along the lower sides that drain, as well as a vent in the back to flush sand and rocks out of), they dry extremely fast, and have amazing traction when they are wet (rock, moss, you name it and it will have traction), they are also true to size (I wear a 9 and the 9 fits perfectly).

I find them quite classy for a water shoe,the look great and don't make your feet stink.

Only downside is getting used to walking in them, they feel...funny, at first, with their rocker style sole as well as the bumps on the inside (they actually feel kinda nice once you get used to them though =))

Overall I give them a 5/5, and would recommend them to anybody looking for a great water shoe. These cannot be beat!!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

These shorts perform well, they have great range of motion, dry quickly (and I do mean very quickly), are a great length, and have 2 zippered pockets (one on each side) that are large enough for a cell phone.

As with other Kuhl products, the size is a tad small, I wear a 32 and the 32 in these is a hair too snug, but not enough of a problem to send them back.

I do enjoy them,and I would recommend them, it may not hurt to go one size larger however.

Just got my Powerhouse delivered today, I was nervous at first as the enormous box it came in felt as if it was empty... But it wasn't! Inside was my new whitewater paddle, as light as a feather, strong as an ox this thing seems like the real deal! The craftsmanship is exceptional, no unattractive seams, no defects, just absolute precision.

As I've only just had it for a day I've not had a chance to take it to the water, but I can imagine I will be quite satisfied. Once I've used it and can give an honest opinion of its performance I will update the review more in-depth for potential buyers in the future.

I bought this jacket in black last fall with the primary intention of needing a warmer weather ski jacket, and wow, I got way more than I bargained for.

This Softshell jacket really hit the spot, the fit, the materials, the durability, everything. I'm 5'11" and bought a Medium and the fit is true to size (The sleeves and bottom aren't too long nor too short), in terms of water and wind resistance this jacket easily excels (It cuts through the wind without ever feeling a chill, and rain and snow run right off of it),the pocket placement is superb;It has two LARGE front pockets, a well placed and nicely sized Napoleon Pocket on the chest (perfect for a phone, a pack of gum, or whatever really), as well as a large internal pocket with a headphone port to place your iPod or Mp3 player. The zippers are metal and very durable, I've had no bad luck with snagging or misalignment. The Hood is adjustable and easily fits over a helmet, it also has a small brim which I find quite convenient.

When skiing I wear a cardigan or a 1/4-zip Jacket underneath and it still fits amazingly and keeps me warm and dry, almost to the point that I don't need a base layer. It has two large vents on the side which are very convenient to vent out that excess heat and humidity.

I bought this jacket for skiing but have found myself wearing it almost everywhere, around town, hiking, traveling, it will probably even be placed in with my Kayaking gear for those chilly summer evening paddling trips.

Overall, I easily give this Softshell a 5/5 rating, it was more than I needed for a pretty decent price and I'd highly recommend it to anyone else looking for a warm, dry, wind-cutting, nice looking and fitting medium weight jacket.